Hymn 8 — To Ares

Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympus, father of warlike Victory, ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of righteous men.

Sceptred king of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aether wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head.

And curb that sharp eagerness of spirit and restrain that shrill voice in my heart which provokes me to enter the chilling din of battle. But, blessed one, give me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death, that I may live in happiness, protected by your bright gifts.